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Nuclear Chemistry

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Chemical vs. Nuclear Reactions

Chemical reactions involve valence electrons and atoms bonding together.

Nuclear Reactions involve the nucleus of atoms.

What makes an atom stable?

Proton to Neutron Ratio is just right.

Strong Nuclear Force is what holds the nucleus together

What is Radioactivity?

Atoms with unstable nuclei cause radioactivity.

The proton to neutron ratio is not balanced, so the strong force doesn’t hold the nucleus together.

The unstable nuclei breaks into smaller (more stable) atoms and release energy.

Here is a picture!

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Nuclear Fission Reactions

Occur spontaneously

Occur in atoms with more than 83 protons

Emit radiation- particles with energy

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Types of Radiation

Alpha particles2 protons, 2 neutrons Helium nucleus2+ charge

Beta Particle similar to an electron1- chargeNo mass

Gamma rayno massno chargehigh energy

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How powerful are these particles?

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Nuclear Decay Reactions

1. Write the parent isotope on the left side of the arrow.

2. Place the emission particle (what is lost) on the right side of the arrow.

3. Place the daughter isotope on the right side of the arrow.

Example

Uranium-238 decays by emitting an alpha particle to form thorium-234.

23892U 234

90Th + 42He

Now you try!

Potassium-40 decays to calcium-40 by beta emission.

4019K 40

20Ca + 0-1ß

Practice Nuclear Reaction Problems

Write the equation for the beta emission by Ni-59.

Write the equation for the alpha emission by Ra-226.

Nuclear Fusion

Small atoms are brought together to form a larger atom.

Process that occurs on the sun…provides a lot of energy.

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Why is it important?

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Nuclear Medicine

Radioactive isotopes are injected or ingested.

Detectors “see” the particles and can provide an image that help doctors diagnose problems.

Can also be used to treat conditions such as cancer.

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